11.   Following one week of tough negotiations with North Korean negotiators, Japan also agreed to consider the possibility of supplying additional rice, the news agency said.

12.   The WFP later continued to supply rice to vulnerable groups, including those at displaced camps and orphanages, but this policy has now changed.

13.   Japan also agreed to consider the possibility of supplying additional rice, the news agency said.

14.   Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto said Friday Pyongyang had not made any official request to Tokyo to supply additional rice to overcome its food shortage, Kyodo News reported.

15.   On Friday, the North Koreans said they preferred the rice to be supplied free, with no deferred payments, Jiji said, quoting government officials.